Julian WilsonThe Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s returns to the Huntington Beach Pier for two days, June 28-29, immediately following the NSSA Nationals, June 23-27. The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grade 4 event is the highest rated Men’s Pro Junior in North America on the 2009 schedule.
“Nike 6.0 is honored to bring Pier Pressure back to Huntington, providing a great platform for the world’s top youth surfers to compete.” said Jason Kenworthy, Nike 6.0 Surf Mentor. “This generation is progressing surfing daily, and we are looking forward to seeing some more next level competition at this year’s Pier Pressure.”
As an ASP Grade 4, the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s boasts more ratings points than any other Men’s Pro Junior in the nation this year and provides a crucial venue for North American surfers looking to qualify for the ASP World Junior Championships. Combined with an ample prize purse of $20,000, the event is sure to draw a who’s who of under 20 year old talent from around the globe.
Last year, the first year of the Grade 4 rating, drew a bevy of standout international talent including Julian Wilson (AUS) who won the title, dominating the event with wins in every heat he surfed in from Round 1. Fellow Aussies, Stuart Kennedy and Chris Salisbury, finished in second and third, respectively. Lone American in the Final, Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), finished a respectable fourth, holding his own against the Australian onslaught. Another solid Australian contingency looks to be returning again for 2009.
A first-place finish at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure earns $3,500 and 1,500 points, which is equivalent to winning three ASP Grade 2 events. As indicative of just how crucial a solid finish is in a Grade 4 event, Doheny rocketed from 15th to fourth on the ASP Pro Junior North America ratings after finishing fourth at the Nike 6.0 Lowers Pro. He ended the season in third overall on the ratings and was one of only six American men to represent the nation at the 2008 ASP World Junior Championships in Narrabeen, Australia.
Hosted by industry icons Dave Stanfield, Peter Mel and Pat O’Connell a LIVE webcast at www.nike6pierpressure.com will feature a high-quality stream filmed with HD cameras, complete daily surfing action, blow-by-blow live scoring, on-air giveaways, and drop ins by special surprise guests.
The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s appreciates support from sponsors Nike 6.0, Jack’s Surfboards, Hurley, Red Bull, Surfer Magazine, Surfing Magazine and WaveWatch.com.
About Nike 6.0
The Nike 6.0 brand defines innovation and embodies the creativity of youth, united by action. Nike 6.0 delivers footwear and apparel to support the new generation of action sports athletes who are changing the worlds of surf, snow, freeski, BMX, wake and moto. Their unlimited potential and contagious energy deliver the future through performance and lifestyle. Www.nike6.com
About Jack’s
Jack's Surfboards reached a milestone in 2007 celebrating it's 50th year in business. Since 1957, Jack's has built a reputation as an icon in surf retail. It has been the place to go for surf fans around the world to find the newest surf products and clothing labels. Offering a huge selection of surfboards, wetsuits, skateboards, snowboards, apparel and accessories, Jack's is Orange County's premier surf shop.
About Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG)
Reaching more than two million enthusiasts, Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG) is the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas. In addition to publishing leading lifestyle publications such as Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Bike, Powder and Canoe & Kayak, Source Interlink Media’s ASG delivers a cutting-edge network of online properties, events and television programming.